[http://m.ask.com/ Ask Mobile Search] offers a stripped down interface for cell phones that can access the web. The nice thing about this service is that you can put in two locations and get walking directions, instead of just driving directions. It also gives you an easy option to "swap" your start and end location so you can get back to where you were without having to retype the addresses. It works on regular computers, too, although the [http://www.ask.com/?o=333#subject:map|pg:1 full blown Ask Maps & Directions] service offers the walking directions feature plus maps.

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[http://map.mapnetwork.com/tradeshow/dc/ala07/ Map Network] has produced a map ''specifically for the ALA D.C. conference''. It's quite a handy interface, with advanced searh options that allow searching with related maps. This map could prove a bit of a help when planning your conference logistics!

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'''NMRT Local Arrangements Committee Budget Transportation Options'''

'''NMRT Local Arrangements Committee Budget Transportation Options'''

Latest revision as of 11:24, 17 June 2007

D.C. has a great public transportation system, especially the subway, so getting around from hotel to hotel for meetings and programs is relatively easy. Check out the webpage of the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority ahead of time for fares, maps, list of stations, etc., to give you a head start. (http://www.wmata.com)

HotStop has a pretty robust set of tools for directions, including a way to get D.C. Metro directions pushed to your cell phone. The main page for D.C. is http://www.hopstop.com/?city=washington and the tabs along the top index the other services. Check out the Featured Trips in the City Guide section for Metro accessible iteneraries.

Ask Mobile Search offers a stripped down interface for cell phones that can access the web. The nice thing about this service is that you can put in two locations and get walking directions, instead of just driving directions. It also gives you an easy option to "swap" your start and end location so you can get back to where you were without having to retype the addresses. It works on regular computers, too, although the full blown Ask Maps & Directions service offers the walking directions feature plus maps.

Map Network has produced a map specifically for the ALA D.C. conference. It's quite a handy interface, with advanced searh options that allow searching with related maps. This map could prove a bit of a help when planning your conference logistics!

NMRT Local Arrangements Committee Budget Transportation Options

A. Ground Travel from the Airports to Downtown Washington, DC

1) Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA):
· Metrorail (subway): Travel via the Yellow Metrorail line from Reagan National Airport to downtown DC (Gallery Place/China Town). The Convention Center is one stop past Gallery Place. The Blue line has a longer travel time to down town destinations.

2) Dulles International Airport (IAD): It is very expensive to take a cab to DC.
· Washington Flyer Motor Coach to the West Falls Church Metrorail station (fare $9). From here take the subway downtown.
· Metrobus route 5A: Express service (fare $3) to L’Enfant Plaza. From here, transfer to Metrorail or a Taxi.

3) Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
· Public Transportation (Bus and Metrorail)
· BWI Train Station (Penn Station Stop): Two options for train travel to Washington, DC (Union Station): 1) The MARC train, fare $6 one way. Operates during weekdays only and 2) Amtrak, fare approximately $19 operates each day. See links at the bottom of the page (from the BWI Train Station link) to MARC and Amtrak websites for schedules.

B. Getting to the Airports from Downtown Washington, DC Washington Metro Area Transit Authority: (http://www.wmata.com) webpage with information for subway travel to the Airports. In some cases, transfer to a bus is required to reach your airport destination.

C. Getting Around in the District of Columbia

1.) Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for subway and bus travel:
· Maps for stops and stations (see link below to Station Masters Guide to Metrorail Stations to view another version of the Metrorail system map that may be more helpful in some cases than the official version). · Trip planner – how to get to your destination by bus or by Metrorail (subway) or a combination of the two. It also calculates walking distance from the Metrorail or bus stop to your destination.
· Fares and schedules.
· When’s the Next Bus, a feature that displays bus stop specific arrival times for the next vehicle.
· Also the Metro on Wikipedia

2.) Station Masters Guide to Metrorail Station Neighborhoods : This website includes Metrorail system map with an added feature not found on the official WMATA site Metrorail system map. Click on your Metrorail stop destination and display a map of area that surrounds that stop and the location of some landmarks and places of interest.

3.) DC Circulator: A three route bus service that operates in the “heart” of the District of Columbia at 5 to 10 minute intervals. The $1 fare is the least expensive in town. Metrorail transfers with a $ .35 payment are also accepted. See the “ticket information” link to view information about payment options and always remember to ask the Circulator bus driver for a transfer! Routes include:

· The North/South Route: Travels between the Washington Convention Center and the Southwest Waterfront and operates from 7 AM to 9 PM each day.
· The East/West Route: Travels between Union Station and Georgetown and operates from 7 AM to 9 PM each day.
· The Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Route: Travels on a continuous loop around the National Mall.

4) Taxi Cabs: There is an extra charge for radio-dispatched cabs. Most local riders “hail” a taxi from busy intersections and other well-traveled locations. A good article from the Washington Post on Taxis in DC is at their site.

· Get to Know Washington’s Cab System : Fares are calculated by “zones” through which you travel instead of meters. “Zone” pricing is explained and also travel and money-saving tips are included.